The Edmonton Oilers continue to pare down their payroll for July 1, as the club has dealt forward Patrick O’Sullivan to the Phoenix Coyotes for defenceman Jim Vandermeer.

I like this deal. I didn’t mind O’Sullivan, and it looks like his buyout is still going on, but Vandermeer is a serviceable d-man who has experience and is tough. Plus he makes 600k less. He will make it so that our younger D have more time in the AHL to get experience.

I like it. As Lowetide says, we just got an actual NHL’er.

Update: As i just read in the comments, Moreau has just been claimed by Columbus (details here) and cause I’ve just been perusing TSN, McKenzie says that Souray could be headed to St. Louis with Brewer coming back (details here).

Good for Moreau, as I’ve always been a fan and he gets to play this final year. I’ve always liked Howson too, so I bet he can get a good year out of him.

As for the Souray rumor…I don’t mind it. Brewer can play, and while he is expensive he is a mil cheaper. If it works out it will be better than I expected on the return for Souray.

I don’t like the fact that Pouliot didn’t get qualified, but other than that it looks pretty standard. I’m expecting deals to be announced going forward for a few of the players, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Poo gets an offer from the Oilers as an UFA for league min.

Like this:

So a post on David Staples’ blog inspired this post here. This originally was going to be a reply, but I found that my reply was far too long and would likely have been passed over by most people.

Within theCult of Hockey post, Staples questioned what the Oilers should do with the cast offs (Souray, Moreau, Nilsson, O’Sullivan), and what holes the Oilers should be filling (and David provided his opinion on both matters). Here is my take on it… Continue reading 'The rebuild, revisited'»

Like this:

Who will the Oilers add to their prospect pool, now that they’ve gone and drafted Windsor Spitfire phenom Taylor Hall?

There are still some good names out there, including some gambles such as Kirill Kabanov and John McFarland. Will the Oilers select a big d-man they need? Or will they go for a big center? Something else? Discuss here…

UPDATE:

With the 31st overall pick, the Oilers selected Tyler Pitlick. Pitlick is a centremen who played this past year for MSU – Mankato. Word is, he will play next year in the WHL for the Medicine Hat Tigers. He is described as a power forward, and apparently has very good skill on the dot. Here’s what some people had to say, taken from The Hockey’s Spy:

“Dominates faceoffs and in freshman year, is an excellent young prospect, a really good young skater and his ability to dominate a game at his level is truly impressive.”
-E.J. McGuire, Director of NHL Central Scouting

“Pitlick is excellent on the wing, where he can use his speed and size on the outside to drive to the net and use his heavy snap shot. He also possesses the ability to play center, and a year of college hockey has improved his defensive game tremendously. Despite being one of the youngest players in college hockey…he doesn’t back down from anyone physically, and has the strength to dish out his own punishment.”
-Western College Hockey Blog

A big hard-nosed centerman who can play with finesse and power. It’s that combination of skill and brawn that makes Pitlick such an intriguing prospect. … His hands are quick and smart and he moves the puck quickly with good accuracy. He plays smart all over and shoots the puck very well, with his feet moving.”
– International Scouting Services 2010 NHL Draft Guide

“Accelerates briskly out of cross-overs and blows by defenders. Has an NHL caliber shot right now. Flashed the ability to power through defenders to get to net. High energy level every shift. Can gain separation in corners with sharp twists and can turn on a dime. Patient playmaker. Long-limbed with farmboy like strength. Aggressive and finishes checks.”
– Red Line Report 2010 Draft Guide

“With little to no support on the roster, he was often forced to create and finish his own opportunities. He has a shoot first, ask questions later philosophy. At 6’2″ and 195 pounds, he still needs to fill out but has a good foundation from which to work with. Pitlick has a sizzling shot and he can pick corners, despite the fact that he scored only 11 goals this season.”
– McKeen’s 2010 NHL Draft Guide

UPDATE 2:
Oilers have traded Riley Nash to Carolina in exchange for the 46th overall pick. Then chose D Martin Marincin with that pick.

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